Property in Goa (2024)

Goa real estate includes houses, apartments, and luxury villas in the north, south, in the cities of Vasco da Gama, Margao, or the interiors close to the national parks, hills and the waterfalls. There is growing interest in Goa real estate, with Indians from all over the country, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), PIOs (People of Indian Origin), and even foreigners making enquiries regularly.

North Goa is a better investment market. Property values in South Goa are slightly cheaper. Most buyers here are people who want to buy a home to settle down in Goa. Usually, those looking to buy property or an apartment in the north want to resale later for profit or rent it out. The return on investment is often better in the north.

The most expensive markets are Calangute, Baga, and Dona Paula in the north, and Cavelossim in South Goa. Owning a property in Margao and Panjim is also deemed prestigious. Prices depend on the proximity of the beach and the quality of the property. Typically beach front real estate will cost more.

Types of Properties Available in Goa

• Bungalows or individual houses
• Luxury private villas
• Stand-alone individual apartment buildings
• Apartments in gated communities
• Apartments in Co-operative Housing Societies
• Old colonial Portuguese properties

Most available properties are within complexes, which are mini-towns of two or three-story villas and townhouses. The average area is 40-60 square meters, and the price ranges between 50,000 Rs. and 70,000 Rs. per square meter.

Who Can Buy Property in Goa

A) Citizens of India living in the country, but outside Goa:

Every citizen of the country, whether living in Goa or not, can buy property in the state, because any restriction in their own country will be a violation of the fundamental rights of a person according to article 19(e) of the Constitution.

B) Citizens of India and foreigners living outside the country:

The law regarding the purchase and sale of property by individuals staying outside India is governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act or FEMA, 1999. FEMA is a restrictive act, which means that, everything under this is prohibited, unless it has been specifically permitted. The Foreign Exchange Management Act directs and regulates all property dealing by foreign citizens, persons of Indian origin (PIO), and non-resident Indians (NRI) living in another country.

The government of Goa has further clarified that all NRIs and PIOs can buy properties in Goa, except plantation and agricultural lands.

Property Buying for Foreigners

• Foreigners are not allowed to buy and sell real estate in Goa as individuals unless they meet residency requirements (Reserve Bank of India Property Regulations, Master Circular July 2013)
• Foreign nationals need to get the permission of RBI (Reserve Bank of India)
• To buy property without seeking the permission, foreign nationals must qualify as a “person resident in India” under sec 2(v) of FEMA by,
  • Staying in India for 182 days or more in the last financial year to carry out business activities,
  • Taking up employment,
  • Any purpose that shows his intention of staying in the country for an undetermined period of time.

It is illegal to buy property in India on a tourist visa. Properties acquired without meeting the above guidelines will be confiscated, and a penalty will be imposed.

How Can Foreigners Buy Real Estate in Goa?

Foreign nationals can purchase property by registering a company.

Section 2 (v) (iii) of FEMA clearly mentions that any business, office, or branch in India, controlled, claimed, or owned by a person residing outside the country is considered as a property of that person. A statement has to be made in the prescribed form and submitted to the RBI within 90 days of the property purchase.

Exceptions

Section 6 (5) of FEMA, 1999 allows two exemptions –

1. A person staying outside India can buy property in the country if he or she owned the real estate when he or she was staying in India.
2. Or if the real estate is acquired or inherited by the foreigner from a person who used to be a resident of the country.

Citizens of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, China, Nepal, Iran, and Bhutan will also have to seek prior permission from the RBI before buying. The RBI will then consult Government of India on a case-by-case basis to approve or reject.

Process of Buying a Home for a Foreigner

Property Buying for Indians

It is simple for the residents of Indians to buy real estate in Goa. They can work through an agent or find a property themselves. However, there are some special requirements for NRSs and PIOs.

• NRI – An Indian citizen who is currently staying outside the country for business, vocation, or employment.
• PIO – A Person of Indian Origin, but a citizen of another country who used to have an Indian passport before (except Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh); or whose parents or any grandparent was a citizen of India according to the Citizenship Act, 1955; or if the person is spouse of a citizen of India.

Property Buying Rules for NRIs and PIOs

NRIs and PIOs can buy both residential and commercial properties in Goa. For this, they don’t have to get any special permission from the Reserve Bank of India. There is also no need to file any documents with the RBI. Funds can be transferred to India through the normal banking route.

Property Buying Guidelines for NRIs, PIOs

1. Individuals must have a valid PIO or OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card.
2. They have to adhere to the Foreign Exchange Management Act rules.
3. A local lawyer should scrutinise and verify the title documents.
4. There should be Nil Encumbrance on the property.
5. Probated will needed for inherited properties.
6. All No objection Certificates (NOC) should be in order.
7. House/property tax should be paid in full till date.
8. Scrutiny of municipal permissions, construction plan, payment plan, and all penalty clauses.
9. Title documents for houses/apartments from the present owner.
10. Material or construction defects must be investigated before buying.
11. Sale/sale deed agreement on payment of the property price and all concerned government duties.

16 Documents To Check Before Buying

It is best to hire a lawyer to look at all these documents and verify before purchasing.

1. Title Deed – With the developer, showing the ownership right of the property.
2. Contract between developer and land owner, land tenure status.
3. Possession letter from previous owner or builder to the seller.
4. Income Tax Permission — Certificate from the Tax and Collection Department.
5. Latest house tax payment and electricity bill receipts. The bill has to be in the seller’s name. Check the receipts for at least 15 years for old properties.
6. Power of Attorney — Right to develop from the land owner.
7. Completion and possession certificates – Plans approved by the local municipality of panchayat (for rural areas). The certificates will show the number of floors, with the number of apartments on each floor.
8. Sale Deed – Agreement of transferring of ownership from the seller to the buyer.
9. Release Certificate – If there are more than one owners of the land.
10. Make sure that the land on which the property is built is not agricultural land. It is illegal to construct on agricultural lands.
11. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the society.
12. Registration certificate for housing societies.
13. Share certificate and allotment letter for societies.
14. If the seller is a PIO/NRI, then the person must have a valid PIO/OCI card.
15. If the seller is a PIO/NRI, then there shouldn’t be any FEMA rule violations.
16. Bank’s release certificate if the land was on loan. There should be no dues.

Some additional checking parameters –

1. Height of the structure – There are restrictions on the type of structure and building height in some areas of Goa. Make sure the developer is not violating any of these regulations.
2. Municipal permits and certificates – This includes permission to use electricity, lift, and water. NOC from water, NOC from lift and electricity authorities, and urban land ceiling NOC.

Top Tips for Purchasing Real Estate in Goa

• It is best to hire a reputed local lawyer. Avoid the lawyer a developer or seller suggests. Always get an independent lawyer.
• Buyers and sellers both need the services of a Public Notary, a state official who will make sure that all transactions are valid. Both the buyer and seller must appear in person before the Notary at the same time. A power of attorney can also be given to their lawyer alternatively.
• Only deal with a reliable builder or agent.
• All documents should be in English unless you are fluent in Hindi, or any other national or regional Indian language.
• It is wise to check RBI guidelines before transferring money into India. Foreign nationals and even NRIs and PIOs may be asked to prove how they transferred money for the purchase.
• Tell your lawyer to confirm in writing that there is no mortgage.
• Never buy in cash.

The Cost of Real Estate in Goa

The cost varies from place to place, but South Goa is usually more affordable, as the North is more commercial. Properties at Calangute, Baga, and Dona Paula in the north, and Cavelossim in the South usually cost more. Prices are higher for beachfront and waterside properties.

The most expensive properties at Calangute, Baga, and Dona Paula cost around $ 1,400 per square meter, sometimes more. The average size of apartments is between 40 and 60 square meters and price is 600-800 per square meter. At this price, you can buy a suite villa of 100-120 square meters, but away from the beach.

Prices of individual homes depend on the property condition, age, and location. An aged house in a small plot of land can cost $ 30 000-50 000. Modern houses will cost more. Luxury old houses and premium villas in good condition can cost millions of dollars.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional expenses apart from the money you pay for the real estate in Goa. This includes,

• Payment for stamp duty
• Legal fee
• Brokerage fee
• Registration fee
• Society transfer fee if the property is in a society
• The cost of car parking and club membership (for societies)
• Maintenance fee (for societies)